Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has come to the defense of Florian Wirtz, who is enduring a difficult start to life at Liverpool. The German midfielder, signed last summer from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million ($154 million), has yet to replicate the dazzling form that made him one of Europe’s brightest young stars.

A tough start at Anfield

Wirtz arrived at Liverpool as a marquee signing after leading Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title. However, adapting to the pace and intensity of English football has proven challenging. Under Arne Slot, the 21-year-old has shown flashes of quality but struggled for consistency, even being benched during the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea before the international break.

Despite the slow start, Nagelsmann urged patience and praised the player’s exceptional creative influence.

“Even though he hasn’t scored yet, he’s still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League. It’s not his fault if his teammates don’t convert them,” the German coach told Sport 1.

“He needs time, but his talent is unique”

Nagelsmann emphasized that Wirtz simply needs time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, insisting that his talent remains beyond question.

“Florian needs to get used to the league. I’ve seen him play with total freedom, and he knows perfectly well what he can do. It hasn’t always been easy for him, and now he’ll have to work hard again,” the coach added.

Despite his domestic struggles, Wirtz has continued to shine for Germany, starting in the 4-0 win over Luxembourg and scoring a stunning free-kick against Northern Ireland in September.

Klopp also calls for patience

Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp also offered his support, describing Wirtz as a once-in-a-generation player whose creativity needs the right environment to flourish.

“Florian is a talent that appears only once every century,” Klopp said, echoing Nagelsmann’s confidence in the midfielder’s potential.